A 6-year-old lacking object permanence should have which action taken next?

A 6-year-old lacking object permanence should have which action taken next?

• A. Provide reassurance to the parent and return for follow-up.
• B. Schedule a routine check-up in six months.
• C. Conduct an extensive cognitive assessment with the family.
• D. Report the observation to the health care provider.

Answer: (D)

Object permanence means understanding that objects continue to exist even when they’re out of sight. By six years old, a child should reliably demonstrate this concept, so lacking it at that age suggests something abnormal in development or possible neurological issues. Because this could indicate a medical or developmental problem, the appropriate next step is to report the observation to the health care provider so they can evaluate, rule out medical causes, and determine the need for further testing or referrals. Providing reassurance or delaying evaluation could miss a treatable issue, and while a full cognitive assessment with the family may come after initial medical evaluation, the first action is to alert a clinician for proper assessment.

Object permanence means understanding that objects continue to exist even when they’re out of sight. By six years old, a child should reliably demonstrate this concept, so lacking it at that age suggests something abnormal in development or possible neurological issues. Because this could indicate a medical or developmental problem, the appropriate next step is to report the observation to the health care provider so they can evaluate, rule out medical causes, and determine the need for further testing or referrals. Providing reassurance or delaying evaluation could miss a treatable issue, and while a full cognitive assessment with the family may come after initial medical evaluation, the first action is to alert a clinician for proper assessment.